Removable cushion for vehicles



J. LEDWINKA.

REMOVABLE CUSHION FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. ZZIIQIB.

Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

1. LEDWINKA. REMOVABLE CUSHION FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED JA'N.22,1916.

2 SHEETSSHEEI 2.

Patented S nvewfoz cur-Ta sra'rus PATENT oF-FIoE.

JOSEPH LED'WINKA, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO EDWARD G. BUDD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

REMOVABLE CUSHION FOB, VEHICLES.

and useful Invention in Removable lush-- ions for Vehicles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to removable cushions for vehicles and other purposes.

The object of the invention is to provide a cushion or upholstery structure for veh1' cles and other purposes which is simple, inexpensive to ma'iutacture, and etticient in use.

A further object is to provide a structure of the nature referred to which as a unit is readily and asily rcn'iovable and replaceable. r

A further object is to provide a cushion structure the frame of which is made up of metal parts and wherein the provision' of special constructions for securing the upholstery to a vehicle or other body is avoided.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination, location and relative arrangement of parts,- all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings Figure l isa view in perspective of a cushion frame embodying my invention,

shaped to the required form for. a side and back cushion for an automobile seat, the upholstery being omitted- Fig. 2 is a broken view in vertical section on the line 2, 2, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and-showing the cushion frame and upholstery applied thereto, and said frame applied to a vehicle b dy in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 3 is a similar view in perspective showing a portion of the structure of Fig. 2.

Figs. and 5, are views similar to Fig. 2 showing modified arrangements for securing the leather or other upholstery member to the cushion frame.

Fig. 6 is a detached broken detail view in perspective of a form of retaining clip Specification of Letters Patent. Patented h uv. 11, 1919. Application filed January 22, 1916, Serial No. 73,628. i i

for securing the upholstery leather memher to the cushion frame in the arrangement shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 7 is a broken'view in front elevation, parts of the vehicle body being inivertical transverse section, showing a mod fied arrangement for detachably securing a cushion to a vehicle body, and embodying the broad principles of my invention.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section on-the line 8, 8, Fig. 6, looking in the direction ofthe arrows.

The same part is designated by the. same reference sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In the manii'facture of automobile and other vehicles, employing side and back cushions for the seats it is desirable to 'pro vide a cushion structure which is readily, easily and conveniently detachable and removable for the purpose of cleaning or replacing. the same. It is also desirable to provide a cushion structure which is strong and durable but which at the same time affords the desired cushionaction. As heretofore mpst generally constructed, particularly in ;the case of automobile body upholstery, it has been necessary to make special provision of means to secure the upholstery to the vehicle. Moreover, the common practice necessitates building the upholstery into the automobile body at the same time the latter is being constructed. This very greatly adds to the inconvenience as well as the cost of manufacture of the body.

It is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide a structure "of side and back cushion for the seats of automobiles and other vehicles, and for other purposes, the frame of which is made of metal stampings and thereby rendered light but strong and durable, and which is readily, easily and conveniently attachable to and detachable from the frame of the vehicle body, which 'is made up as a unit and therefore can be made up and carried in stock and applied to the vehicle body after the latter has been; completed and painted and enameled, and whereby the owner of the automobile or-vehicle may replace the upholstery of his machine after the same has become ding-y, soiledQor in-' jured in use by fresh new'upholstery, or

upholstery of a different shade or color,

easily bent longitudinally into the proper shape to conform to the contour of the sides and back of a seat of the automobile or other vehicle body, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. Attached to this frame are the cushion springs 15, over which frame and springs the upholstery or trim is applied. This upholstery may be applied to the frame in any suitable or convenient manner. A simple and efficient arrangement is shown wherein'a backing 16, of canvas or other suitable .material (and which I will hereinafter call canvas, intending to include thereby any material suitable for the purpose) is looped at its ends around the upper and lower rods 10, 11, respectively of the frame, and then each canvas end is stitched or otherwise secured to the body of the canvas, the canvas body, intermediate its ends, being stretched over the cushion springs 15. If desired and in order to afford a fair lead for the canvas downwardly from the upper frame bar, and to prevent the canvas when stretched, from being drawn intothe angle of the frame, I provide the frame With a metal angle piece 1?, along the inner portion of the upper edge thereof, and having a curved upper surface, as shownin Fig. 2, and I lead the canvas over the curved upper surface of this angle piece. Also secured a-t'it ends to the rods 10, 11, is the outer member 18 of the upholstery. This member inaybeleather or any other suitable or desired flexible material, and for the purposes of my invention will call this member leather intending to include thereby any material suitable for the purpose. As above mentioned, this leather is secured at its ends over the frame rods 10, 11, and is stretched between said rods. The ends of the leather may be secured to or around the rods 1O, 11. in many different In Figs. 2 and 3, I have shown a simple inexpensive and efiicient arrangement for the purpose wherein a channel member 19 is applied and secured to the vertical frame bars 12, near their upper ends, in such manner as to connect the same together. At suitable intervals apart the angle strips 20 are stepped at their lower ends in the channel member 19, and their upper ends are pressed into the angle between the frame rod an; the canvas 16. New by passing a ay 11 finances the end of the leather 18 over and around the rod 10, so as to form a loop, and outside full lines in Fig. 2, the upper ends of the clips are driven tightly into the crotch between the frame rod 10, and the canvas, thereby not only tightly gripping and clampe the end of the leather around the frame but also drawing or stretching the leather tight between its ends, and hence taking out'any wrinkles or creases that may be therein. The lower end of the leather is secured in the same manner to the lower frame rod 11.

The filler material 22 is packed into the S ace between the leather and canvas, and, desired, and in order to secure a tufted appearance of the finished. upholsteiy, the canvas and leather may be fastened together at desirable points intermediate their ends as indicated at 23.

In Fig. a I have shown a slightly inedified arran ement for ri. iin and clam in i z: a; a: the end of the leather. In this arrangement a Z'sha-ped metal strip 241-, see F 1g. .6, is

'welded or otherwise secured to the frame bars 12, and said strip is formed with eparated tongues at one edge thereof. These tongues are extended into the crotch of the frame bar 10 and canvas 16, to engage against the end portion of the leather WlllCll is looped around the rod 10, as mdr dated in dotted lines. The strip 2% is then hammered into straightened condition, as in dicated in full lines, thereby securing the results above explained with reference to the clips 20. In some I prefer to use the clips as thereby I am enabled to employ small. short pieces of otherwise scrap material. v

In Fig. 5 still. another method of securing the end of the leather around the frame rod 10 is illustrated. In this arrangement after the end of the leather is looped around'the frame rod it is stitched to the canvas as in dicated at .Vhile I have shown this arangement as contei'iiplated and included within the broad scope of my invention, I

prefer, in practice, to employ one of the other methods above described. The lower end of the leather may be secured in similar manner to that above descril ed.

By the structure above described l' pro vide a flexible, all metal cushion frame with upholstery applied thereto. which may be constructed as a unit and independently of the vehicle body.

The cushion frame and upholstvr Sli'i ture above described may be applied ous ways to the vehicle body. In Figs. 2, 4, and 5, I have shown the upper edge of the vehicle body shell 27,215 formed'with an inwardly turned portion 28, having an uptiered seat. In order to apply the cushion frame thereto, the upper frame bar of the cushion structure, which is laterally offset outwardly from the body of the frame is engaged over the upturned edge 29 and seated in the seat of the flange 28, which is formed by said upturned edge. The lower edge of the cushion frame is then detach-ably secured by springs 30, to the bottom or floor plate of the vehicle.

By this arrangement the cushion frame is held in tension engaged over the upper edge of the vehicle body shell and pulled down-' wardly by the tension of springs 30.

In order to detach and remove the cushion frame it is only necessary to detach the springs 30, and lift the cushion frame out,

reversing this process when the cushion 5 frame is to be replaced in position.

This structure affords an upholstered cushion for the upper edge of the vehicle body, as well as for the seat sides and back, and it attains the benefits and advantages above set forth In Fi 7 and 8 I ha e shown another arrangement for applying the cushion frame to a vehicle body wherein the vehicle body shell 31, is provided with an inverted inturned channel portion 32 at its upper edge, and the upper edge of the cushion frame is seated within this inverted channel, and said frame is supported at its lower edge by vertically adjustable forks 33, piV0tally-c0nnected to the tloor plate' of the vehicle body. In this arrangement the cushion frame is held in compression and in order to detach and removccushion the fork seats 33 are adjusted downwardly to free the lower edge of the cushion frame and then the upper of said frame is drawn downwardly of the channel 32. This operation is re- "l in replacing the cushion frame. This i of my in ention leaves the upper edge (31. the automobile body without any cushion,

and for that reason in practice I prefer the form shown in Figs. 2, 4, and wherein x are no exposed metal parts of the vehiline or body to cause discomfort to the occupying the-seat.

ile l have shown and described my ins applied to an automobile body I sh in the broadest scope of my inm is defined in the claims to be limited ricted to such use as the principles are equally well applicable to the construction of the upholstery and cushions forrhairs, sofas. sctlecs and the like.

' liaving now set forth the objects and nature of my invention. and various structures 35 embodying the principles thereof, what I turned edge thereby forming a shoulform to the contour of said seat back and claim as new and useful, and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,

1. The combination witlna vehicle body having a seat back and side portions, of a flexible metallic cushion frame unit for said seat back and side portions, said unit ineluding upper and lower rods extending longitudinally of said unit and throughout the I extent of both seat sides and back portions of the vehicle body and bent to conform to the contour thereof, vertically extending bars connecting said rods, a canvas sheet having its upper and lower edgesrespectively looped around said rods, a'leather or upholstery sheet also having itsupper and lower edges respectively looped around said rods, a'filler material interposed between -said canvas and upholstery sheets, and

means to detachably and removably secure said frame unit under tension to the seat "back and side portions of the vehicle body.

2. The combination with a vehicle body having a seat back and side portions, of a flexible metallic cushion frame unit for said seat back and side portions, said unit including upper and lower rods extending longitudinally of said unitand throughout the extent of both seat sides and back portions of thevehicle body and bent to conform to the contour thereof, vertically extending bars connecting said rods, a canvas sheet having its upper and lower edges respectivelylooped around said rods, a leather or upholstery sheet also having its upper and lower edges respectively looped around said rods, 21 filler material interposed between said canvas and upholstery sheets,'sprlfigs interposed between said canvas and ,the frame unit, and means to detacliably and removably secure .said frame unit under tension to the seat back and side portions of the vehicle body.

3-. The combination with a vehicle body having a seat back and side portions, of a flexible metallic cushion frame unit for said seat back and side portions, said 'unit in cluding upper and lower rods extending longitudinally of said unit and bent to conside port-ions, vertically extending bars con- I necting said rods, a canvas sheet having its upper and lower edges respectively looped around said rods, a leather or upholstery sheet also having its upper and lower edges respectively looped around said rods, a filler material interposed between said canvas and upholstery sheets, a metal strip carried by one of the bars of the frame unit and .engaging the looped edges ofthe canvas and leather sheets to grip andhold the same in their looped arrangement around said rods, and means to detachably and removablv secure said frame unit to the seat back and side portions of the vehicle body.

-l-. The combination with a vehicle body having a Seat back and side portions formed with a longitudinally extending channel seatat its upper edge, of a flexible inetallio frame longitudinally bent to Conform to the interior contour of said seat bark and side portions and forming a detachaule upholtery or our hion frame unit. Mild unit havin; its upper longitudinal edge constructed to be reniovablv seated in said channel neat, and .nioana to yielding-iv maintain under tension the upper edge of said cushion frame seated in Raid channel beat.

5. The combination with a vehicle body having a seat back and side portions formed with a longitudinally extending channel sea/ at its upper edge, of a flexible metalliciranie longiturllinall bent to ronl'orni to the interior contour of aaid. Feat bael; and side portione and forming: a detaeliahle upholstery or cushion frame unit said unit having its upper longitudinal edge ronatruvted to be reinovahly seated in said rhannel seat a cushion applied to said frame unit, and means to impose a yielding tension upon said unit to maintain the upper edge thereof seated in said Channel seat.

6. Tho'conibination with a vehicle bod v having a seat back and side portions formed with a. longitudinally extending channel seat at its upper edge. in a tiexible metallic 'tranie longitndinallv bent to (OHfOEI'fl to the interior contour of said seat back and side portions; and forming an npholateijv on cnnhion traine unit. said unit having its upper longitudinal edge portion constructed to fit and be seated in said channel heat. and means connected to the lower edge of said cushion frame unit to yielding-l retain the upper edge thereof Ftlltlll under tension in said channel seat.

T. The combination with a. vehicle body having a seat back and side portions formed with a longitudinally extending channel seat at its upper edg of a flexible metallir frame longitudinally bent to conform to the interior contour of said vat back and side poi ions and forming an upholstery or cushion trame unit, Said unit having upper longitudinal edge portion constructed to lit. and be Hlfli'Pd in Wild (-hannel Feat. and vieldn moans Ponneeted to the lower the upper edge of Said unit seated n said ehannel vwat, said means operating to inipart a vertical tension or Silliili upon said traine unit.

8. The ((illllilllriilfill with a vehiole bod having a lon; 'itudinall extending F89 formed at its upper edge, of an uphoia or cushion frame unit loirQ'itndinailv to roni'orni to the interior iliape of veniele bodv, and having a laterallv otl' s t longitiulinally extending frame rod at its upper edge to engage over the upper edge of the frame body'and to be received in seatgand II'IGFUIS to detaihably retain said frame rod yieldinglv seated in Rain seat.

ll. The combination v iii a vehi bod having a longitudinally extending;- seat Formed at its upper edge, of an upholstery or cushion t'rania unit longitudinally bent to rontorin to the interior shape or contour of the vehicle body and having; its upper loing'itudinally extending edge portiondatorally otlaei: to he detaehably eiigz'igeijl in said v eat. and :-:prin s1's CUHHOClLP-(l to the lower edge ol said cushion fran e and exerting a vi' rtically downward tension or str: in there on to retain said cushion frame seated'in said seat.

10. The roinbiinition with a vehicle bodv having a lODQlUKllnfillX extendii mouldered seat at its upper-innit; of a i, hion frame. unit having its u iper-longituili .allv extending edge laterally orfsiet and seated in said shouldered seat. and .Qprings detaelr ablv oonneuting' the lower edge of said, frame to the vehicle body and operating' to im a reitirall downward tension or i thereon to retain its upper edqn in engagemontover said shouldered seat. f a

ln testimony hereof i have hereunto not Hi) iand in tliepreaence oi. thisnbscrihirig- \vilneawa, on thin 17th dar of .lannarv, 4.. 1 1%),

JO Fa PIPE LEDYVIN I; witnesaoq: 

